i got a 1648 alum boat with a 21" transom and 18 inch side's, 68" at the top. i been lookn at longtails for a while. and me, i like power. so i been lookn at mudbuddy 35 vanguard longtail. i like the mudbuddy 35 longtail cause of the weight and the cost. so would i be able to run it on this here 21" transom.
or do i need to do sum cutn n weldn on the thing.
i am a welder so i will probably weld up all the rivets on it.

I know GD has a model for a 20" transom, I don't know what MB offers but would assume they offer one for a tall transom.

You defently got the right idea of having as much power as you can. Though, the welding the rivet comment bothers me. In the past, I have welded rivets for people, and it is a pain in the azz. I think these boats are painted before assembled. Seems you can not clean it good enough. Then before you know it, you end up blowing through the alum. Though, I wish you the Best of Luck.


Uncle J

i know some that use contact cement and weatherstrip sealent on rivets.... i know they use it on airboats a good bit when poly rivets leak...

Having tried to do exactly what you are trying I would advise you to sell the boat and find a used mud boat. You will be very pleased with the results.

if i had 2 weld them i would use pulse mig."tig is gona build up 2 much heat before it puddles on dirty rivits"I would weld a loop around the rivit bout the size of a nickel and then spiral in to the middle. have done thousands of times but only in a half 2 situation. also when welding the rivits watch for rib seperation. when those rivits ghet hot they will pull through if there is tension on them. i suggest tacking the ribs down before starting a major rivit welding job.